2. Excellent Source of Powerful Antioxidants

Antioxidants help prevent or slow cell damage by counteracting oxidative stress, a process triggered by unstable molecules called free radicals.

Oxidative stress has been linked to certain chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s .

Fortunately, consuming antioxidant-rich foods like persimmons can help fight oxidative stress and may decrease the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Diets high in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants found in high concentrations in the skin and flesh of persimmons, have been linked to lower rates of heart disease, age-related mental decline and lung cancer .

Persimmons are also rich in carotenoid antioxidants like beta-carotene, a pigment found in many brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

Studies have linked diets high in beta-carotene to a lower risk of heart disease, lung cancer, colorectal cancer and metabolic disease.

Additionally, a study in over 37,000 people found that those with a high dietary intake of beta-carotene had a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes .

Summary Persimmons are an excellent source of powerful antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids. Diets rich in these compounds have been linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

3. May Benefit Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and negatively impacts the lives of millions of people.

Fortunately, most types of heart disease can be prevented by reducing risk factors, such as an unhealthy diet.

The powerful combination of nutrients found in persimmons makes them an excellent choice for boosting heart health.

Vitamin C reduces free radical damage by donating an electron to these unstable molecules, thus neutralizing them and preventing them from causing further harm.

An eight-week study in 64 obese people found that supplementing with 500 mg of vitamin C twice daily significantly reduced levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 .

Plus, large studies have linked higher dietary intake of vitamin C to a reduced risk of inflammatory conditions like heart disease, prostate cancer and diabetes.

Persimmons also contain carotenoids, flavonoids and vitamin E, all of which are potent antioxidants that fight inflammation in the body.

Summary Persimmons are rich in the powerful antioxidant vitamin C, which helps lower inflammation, a common cause of many diseases.

5. Rich in Fiber

Therefore, having too much cholesterol, especially “bad” LDL cholesterol, can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack.

Foods high in soluble fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can help lower high cholesterol levels by helping the body excrete excess amounts of it.

One study found that adults who consumed cookie bars containing persimmon fiber three times a day for 12 weeks experienced a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol, compared to those who ate bars that did not contain persimmon fiber .

Fiber is also important for regular bowel movements and can help reduce high blood sugar levels.

6. Support Healthy Vision

Further more, Persimmons provide lots of vitamin A and antioxidants that are critical for eye health.

In fact, one persimmon delivers 55% of the recommended intake of vitamin A.

Vitamin A supports the functioning of the conjunctival membranes and cornea. Moreover, it is an essential component of rhodopsin, a protein necessary for normal vision .

Persimmons also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoid antioxidants that promote healthy vision.

Diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of certain eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, a disease that impacts the retina and can cause vision loss .

In fact, a study in over 100,000 people found that those who consumed the highest amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 40% lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration than those who consumed the least amounts.

Summary Persimmons are high in vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin — all nutrients that support healthy vision.

7. Delicious and Easy to Add to Your Diet

Also, Persimmons fruits can be added to a variety of dishes to provide an extra boost.

In fact, they pair excellently with both sweet and savory foods.

Hence, here are some ways to add persimmons to your diet:

Slice persimmons onto a salad for a flavorful addition.

Top your morning yogurt or oatmeal with fresh or cooked persimmon for a burst of natural sweetness.

Roast persimmons in the oven and drizzle with honey for a tasty and healthy dessert.

With all the benefits that persimmons have to offer, adding these tasty fruits to your diet should be a no-brainer.

Written by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD

Jillian Kubala is a Registered Dietitian based in Westhampton, NY. Jillian holds a master’s degree in nutrition from Stony Brook University School of Medicine as well as an undergraduate degree in nutrition science. She is certified in plant based nutrition through the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies at Cornell University.

Jillian uses a unique and personalized approach to help her clients achieve optimum wellness through nutritional and lifestyle changes.